PHNOM PENH: If Riyadh wasn’t your first pick for an up-close encounter with a cheetah, a trip to Nofa Wildlife Park on the outskirts of the city will change your mind. This beautiful lodge-style resort is the canvas for an explosion of wildlife, and a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Africa in the Arabian Desert.

Saudi Arabia opens African safari experience in Riyadh. The 62,000-mile stretch of land is home to 700 animals native to Africa. Lions and tigers are just a few of the animals that were flown in from outside the kingdom to the 175,000 square metres stretch of land. It is now a safari park, where visitors seated in a vehicle can see them; some for the very first time.

Some of the visitors say that they are not used to the Safari in Saudi Arabia.They are more familiar with small zoos with animals in cages as they walk around them. People have said they didn't expect to live the African atmosphere in Riyadh. But they are thrilled. They don’t have to go to Dubai or Thailand Safari.

Ostrich, deer and elephants also roam the park where visitors no longer have to travel outside the country to see such animals or enjoy a similar experience. The resort also has a 232-stable equestrian complex and a spectacular 18-hole golf course, which is flanked by the desert and wildlife park and open to day visitors. The complex holds an annual horse racing event along with a series of show jumping competitions.

A caged convertible car can accommodate up to 32 people fit inside the vehicle to tour the park, with ticket that costs $40, while others can go in a private jeep for $266 for a more personalised experience with the wild animals roaming around freely.

^{PHOTO: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (NOVEMBER 13, 2021) (REUTERS - Access All)}